References
As a parent, you will want to talk to other like-minded individuals who had the same fears. You can openly speak to other parents who utilize a childcare by just asking for references. You can ask about safety, comfort level, flexibility and many other potential issues. You can get an unbiased viewpoint on the childcare in question. This can go a long way in alleviating many of your fears.
Safety
Many parents will use their own eyes to assess a childcare upon entering and doing a walk around. Safety is the most important feature of any childcare. Will my child be safe? Does the childcare have CPR and other relevant licensing? Is the house or structure modified so children are never put in the way of harm? It also doesn’t hurt to google the childcare just to see if it has showed up in any local news stories. You can google the owners as well. You can ask questions about the people they hire to watch kids and what kind of credentials they expect.
Education
A good childcare also tries to educate children in attendance. In other words, they don’t just allow time to go by. They provide fun, educational activities where kids can learn and get prepared for school. One thing a parent should always include on the checklist is educational experiences offered by the specific childcare.
Meals
Does the childcare provide meals? This may seem like a given but it needs to also be included on any checklist. If they don’t, you may have to pack a sack lunch or snack every single day. That could add to your overall cost.
Cost
Cost is always an important factor. Childcare costs have escalated throughout the years and it’s truly hard to find a bargain. As a parent, you’ll need to be weary of why a childcare might have a lower price tag. Sometimes the higher cost might also provide additional features like field trips or in house guests. Some individuals might charge a lower cost because they don’t have to pay employees or a higher insurance premium. It’s important to find the right solution for your individual needs and your budget.
These are just a few of the important things to include in your individual childcare checklist. Other variables could be important in your search like location, size, hours and flexibility. Most moms ultimately utilize their gut instincts to make the final decision.
